Connecticut's Stefanie Dolson, left, and Connecticut's Moriah Jefferson, right in the the second half of a second-round game against Vanderbilt in the women's NCAA college basketball tournament in Storrs, Conn., Monday, March 25, 2013. Connecticut won 77-44. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

BRIDGEPORT >> Stefanie Dolson wasn't overly concerned about the tender right ankle and left foot which has kept her out of a string of recent practices as all of her attention was squarely focused on what figures to be yet another elbow-throwing, bruise-gathering showdown with Maryland's towering front line.

Dolson, UConn's junior center and Wade Trophy finalist, battled her way to a near double-double when the teams squared off in a Dec. 3 game at the XL Center.

The stakes will be considerably higher in Saturday's rematch at Webster Bank Arena as Dolson and the Huskies will need to deal with one of the nation's most skilled collection of post players in order to advance to the regional finals for the eighth straight season.

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"We are mentally and physically ready for Maryland," Dolson said. "We have played them before. I think we have seen a lot of different types of teams this year and we have seen it all That is definitely going to help us moving forward and with the game (Saturday), being prepared for those (games) and practicing to prepare for those."

Although junior Alicia DeVaughn is listed as Maryland's center, it is more likely that Dolson will spent a large portion of the afternoon matching up with likely WNBA first-round pick Tianna Hawkins.

"She is actually extremely impressive," Dolson said. "She kind of started off not as that go-to play for Maryland and she has done a great job of expanding her game, making herself more versatile as a post, stepping out and knocking down jump shots."

Hawkins was not even ranked in the top 100 in the national recruiting rankings but she has made remarkable strides in her four seasons with Maryland. Now, despite the Terrapins being without four injured or ill players, she has her team within two wins of the Final Four.

"The first time we played UConn it was a physical game," Hawkins said. "They came out really strong and we had a few back to back turnovers. I think we struggled a bit on the offensive end.

"We have the ability to dominate on the glass and that is something we needed to focus on with having the height advantage. Being a post player, we love to bump so it is something we will look forward to."

Dolson downplayed the impact of her ailment even trying to retract it when she uttered the word "injuries."

"I am OK and ready for the game," Dolson said. "It is something that I am not going to use as an excuse if I play poorly in the game. It is not really in my mind right now. The only thing that can get somebody down is feeling sorry if they are hurt and that is definitely not me.

".I am preparing for it, have been preparing for it. It is going to be tough with Hawkins and DeVaughn down there, they are two really great, tough players but I think I am ready."

With Dolson seeing limited time in practice, it has given sophomore Kiah Stokes and freshmen Breanna Stewart and Morgan Tuck a chance to get more first-team reps.

"They have had to step up and they have gotten more reps at that spot," UConn assistant coach Marisa Moseley said. "Stef is such an integral part of what we do that I think those guys know how much we rely on her and how much we need them as well so I think they really have stepped up."

WILLIAMS COMMITS TO UCONN

Gabby Williams, a 5-foot-11 guard from Sparks, Nev., committed to UConn on Friday just four days after she returned home from an unofficial visit.

Williams was averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds before she suffered a season-ending torn ACL. She said she is just six weeks removed from surgery and is planning on taking it slow in the recovery process. Her goal is to hopefully return to the basketball court by December.

Williams, the No. 2 player in the Class of 2014 according to the All-Star Girls Report recruiting service, was on campus on Sunday and Monday and in the stands for UConn's NCAA second-round win over Vanderbilt.

"I really liked the atmosphere and the way they play," Williams said. "I just want to be a part of that legacy and that tradition. I met with everybody and they really took the time out to make sure I really saw all of UConn and I appreciate that.

"I knew right away that UConn was the place. I know my family was kind of sad that it was so far away but they are going to support me anyways. I know they want to see all my games but making choices like this, you have to be selfish. I think at Connecticut I can reach my potential, they are going to make me the best I can be."